Former Hells Angels Members Arrested in Ruhr Valley for Attempted Murder and Bombings
Two former members of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang have been remanded in custody after being charged with attempted murder and causing an explosion in the Ruhr Valley region of Germany.
According to the Dortmund public prosecutor’s office, the two suspects, both German nationals from Bochum, are accused of firing around 60 shots at a house in Holzwickede and detonating two homemade bombs outside apartments in Bochum and Oberhausen.
Background: Club Disputes
Investigators believe that the attacks were motivated by "internal club disputes," as stated by Denis Andric, head of the investigation group at the Dortmund police department. The suspects, aged 33 and 25, were reportedly expelled from the Hells Angels and sought revenge. The targets of their attacks are said to include high-ranking members of the gang.
Chronology of Events
- Shots Fired at House (Holzwickede): The suspects allegedly fired around 60 shots with a fully automatic rifle at the home of a 52-year-old man in Holzwickede last week. No injuries were reported, but a young girl was asleep in the house at the time and the bullets caused significant damage to the surrounding area.
- Bombings in Bochum and Oberhausen: The suspects are also suspected of detonating two homemade bombs outside apartment doors in Bochum and Oberhausen this week. The extent of their involvement in other crimes is still under investigation.
Ongoing Investigation
Prosecutor Henner Kruse stated that the investigation into the complex case is still in its early stages. The authorities are examining whether the suspects have committed any other crimes.
Suspects’ Background with Hells Angels
The suspects are believed to have been former members of the Hells Angels, according to investigators. After being "disgraced," they reportedly left the gang and sought retribution.
Rocker Milieu Connections
The police had previously suspected that a series of crimes in the Ruhr Valley over the past week could be linked to the rocker milieu. The arrests represent a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation.
Additional Information
- The names of the suspects have not been released.
- The motives and circumstances surrounding the suspects’ expulsion from the Hells Angels are still being investigated.
- The impact of the attacks on the wider community and the potential for further retaliation are being closely monitored by law enforcement.
The case highlights the ongoing challenges posed by organized crime in Germany and the need for continued vigilance to combat gang-related violence and protect public safety.
